Getting Near to Baby facts for kids
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| Author | Audrey Couloumbis |
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| Illustrator | Ian Schoenherr |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Realistic fiction |
| Publisher | G.P.Putnams Sons Penguin Young Readers Corp |
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Publication date
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September 13, 1999 |
| Media type | Print (Hardback & Paperback) |
| Pages | 211 pgs (first edition) |
| Awards | Newbery Honor (2000) |
| ISBN | 9780399233890 |
Getting Near to Baby is a children's novel written by Audrey Couloumbis. It was published in 1999 and quickly gained recognition. In 2000, the book received a Newbery Honor, which is a special award for excellent children's literature. It was also named an ALA Notable Children's Book.
The story is meant for readers aged 10 to 14. Audrey Couloumbis was inspired by real-life events. She drew from her own childhood experiences with loss. This helped her write a story about dealing with sadness and finding hope.
Contents
Story of Getting Near to Baby
This novel tells the story of two sisters, Willa Jo and Little Sister. They are going through a very tough time. Their baby sister has passed away after drinking contaminated water. This sad event deeply affects their family.
Their mother is struggling with her own feelings of sadness. Because of this, she sends Willa Jo and Little Sister to stay with their Aunt Patty. Aunt Patty is their mother's sister.
Life at Aunt Patty's House
Aunt Patty does not have any children of her own. Her house is very neat and has many rules. This is a big change for Willa Jo and Little Sister. They find it hard to adjust to their aunt's strict ways.
Aunt Patty also finds it difficult to understand the girls' feelings. She doesn't quite know how to help them with their grief. This makes things even harder for Willa Jo and Little Sister.
Finding Understanding
One day, Willa Jo and Little Sister climb onto Aunt Patty's roof. They want to watch the sunrise from there. After a while, they decide to stay on the roof. They don't want to come down.
This moment helps Aunt Patty realize something important. She sees that she hasn't been meeting the girls' emotional needs. She starts to understand their pain better. Willa Jo also remembers other moments at Aunt Patty's house. These include meeting a character named Liz, the Piggly-Wiggly pickle, and other unique experiences.
Main Characters in the Book
- Baby: Baby is the youngest child of Noreen. She becomes sick from contaminated water. Sadly, she passes away in her mother's arms. Her death is the main event that sets the story in motion.
- Noreen: Noreen is the mother of Willa Jo, Baby, and Little Sister. She feels deep sadness after Baby's death. Her grief is so strong that she sends her two older daughters to live with her sister, Patty.
- Willa Jo: Willa Jo is a thirteen-year-old girl. She moves in with her Aunt Patty after her baby sister's passing. Aunt Patty often calls her by her full name, Willa Jo Dean. Willa Jo is trying to cope with her loss.
- Little Sister: Little Sister's real name is Jo Ann. She is seven years old. Like Willa Jo, she also goes to live with Aunt Patty. After Baby's death, Little Sister stops speaking. This shows how deeply she is affected.
- Aunt Patty: Aunt Patty is Noreen's older sister. She is known for being very controlling. Her house has many rules. Willa Jo describes Aunt Patty as a short and wide woman. She learns to be more understanding.
- Uncle Hob: Uncle Hob is Aunt Patty’s husband. He is much calmer and more relaxed than his wife. He helps balance Aunt Patty's strict nature.
Play Adaptation
Getting Near to Baby was also turned into a play. The theatrical version was written by Y. York. It first opened in 2008. The play was performed by the People's Light and Theatre Company in Malvern, Pennsylvania.
Since then, the play has been shown at other theaters. These include ChildsPlay in Tempe, Arizona, and the Seattle Children's Theatre. It was also performed at the Riverwalk Theater.
